Goldfish does not come up to the top

HI guys. This is my goldfish Debbie. She lives in a 55 gallon tank with 3 other goldfish. The temp is usually between 73-75 degrees. I don’t know how old she is, I bought her about 3 months ago at the same size as she is now. Ever since I’ve gotten her, I haven’t seen her come up to the top of the tank. She stays at the bottom, and I have to throw food to the bottom, in order for her to eat. She also stays in one of the corners of the tank a lot. I just wanted to opinions on what this may be, lazy fish, swim bladder, or what? Thanks!

 

A Goldfish of Debbie's size should not have a problem swimming to the top in a 55G. My opinion is that she is suffering from "negative buoyancy" SBD. IMO these are a bit more serious than positive buoyancy SBD, but easier for supportive care since it looks like she can still stay somewhat neutral without tipping over.

If it's something less problematic/fatal that you want to try out first, you can remove her from that tank and put her in a separate tank with a really low water line. I doubt you want to lower the water line in your current tank as you have others in it. If it's just an issue where she does not have enough air, feed her some floating food so that she gulps and intakes some air into her swim bladder. This would in theory counter act the negative buoyancy allowing her to float or swim to the top once she gets the right amount of air in. Since the water line is low...she should have less of a problem coming up to the surface to get it. Long tanks are recommended to have as much water volume as possible with the short depth.

This would be of course after the fact that you've ensured the current water quality is in check.
If it's something else or more serious like a bacterial infection or fluid buildup....then different steps would be tried to try and save her from getting worse. Also check to see if she is pooping properly is possible.

 

A Goldfish of Debbie's size should not have a problem swimming to the top in a 55G. My opinion is that she is suffering from "negative buoyancy" SBD. IMO these are a bit more serious than positive buoyancy SBD, but easier for supportive care since it looks like she can still stay somewhat neutral without tipping over.

If it's something less problematic/fatal that you want to try out first, you can remove her from that tank and put her in a separate tank with a really low water line. I doubt you want to lower the water line in your current tank as you have others in it. If it's just an issue where she does not have enough air, feed her some floating food so that she gulps and intakes some air into her swim bladder. This would in theory counter act the negative buoyancy allowing her to float or swim to the top once she gets the right amount of air in. Since the water line is low...she should have less of a problem coming up to the surface to get it. Long tanks are recommended to have as much water volume as possible with the short depth.

This would be of course after the fact that you've ensured the current water quality is in check.
If it's something else or more serious like a bacterial infection or fluid buildup....then different steps would be tried to try and save her from getting worse. Also check to see if she is pooping properly is possible.

Ok the negative buoyancy makes sense. I was thinking of doing that, putting her in a seperate tank. Would I just keep her in there until she is better (if gulping the air works) or would it be a permanent thing? I will test my water tomorrow to double check and let you know thank you!

 

I agree with CJ, do check the water quality and all that. But you might want to try to create a swim hammock before isolating the fish. There are many youtube diy fish hammock videos. I will post one, but it might get removed.

 

I agree with CJ, do check the water quality and all that. But you might want to try to create a swim hammock before isolating the fish. There are many youtube diy fish hammock videos. I will post one, but it might get removed.

Oh yes, that is a great idea! A couple questions though. Wouldn’t that have a bad affect on the slime coat?

 

Oh yes, that is a great idea! A couple questions though. Wouldn’t that have a bad affect on the slime coat?

Unfortunately yes. GF are dependent on their slime coat as first line of defense. The constant rubbing and irritation can be an issue long term. The way the vets do it is performing a surgery instead which involves a suture into the top part of the fishes body or at the dorsal fin with a line attached to a floating object such as a floating styrofoam. You can see an example here.

I know Cali is a big place, but considering that vet is in that State...perhaps you can reach out to them.

To really confirm if its a buoyancy issue, have you tried gently lifting Debbie to the surface and watch her actions? if you see her attempting to swim but immediately start sinking, that could be a good indication. Hopefully she doesn't get to a point where she is on her side to need any devices to aid in daily lifestyle. Again, it is advised that the water quality is not contributing and pristine and that she is pooping properly and not backed up.

 

Unfortunately yes. GF are dependent on their slime coat as first line of defense. The constant rubbing and irritation can be an issue long term. The way the vets do it is performing a surgery instead which involves a suture into the top part of the fishes body or at the dorsal fin with a line attached to a floating object such as a floating styrofoam. You can see an example here.

I know Cali is a big place, but considering that vet is in that State...perhaps you can reach out to them.

To really confirm if its a buoyancy issue, have you tried gently lifting Debbie to the surface and watch her actions? if you see her attempting to swim but immediately start sinking, that could be a good indication. Hopefully she doesn't get to a point where she is on her side to need any devices to aid in daily lifestyle. Again, it is advised that the water quality is not contributing and pristine and that she is pooping properly and not backed up.

Honestly I don’t see poops that are big enough to be hers. I think she is backed up. So I fed her some peas and I’m going to fast her for a couple days and see how it goes. I only fed her peas for the past couple days and here is a video from a couple minutes ago. She got up, but sank. But I think it’s improvement just her getting up there. Had to put it on Imgur cause I can’t post videos on here

https://imgur.com/a/9sBYx1J

 

If she is constapated and still has not pooed , an epsom salt bath for up to 15 minutes may help her do a number 2. But it will not help swim bladder issues unfortunately, the swim bladder is a separate organ.

 

If she is constapated and still has not pooed , an epsom salt bath for up to 15 minutes may help her do a number 2. But it will not help swim bladder issues unfortunately, the swim bladder is a separate organ.

Ok I’ll try that!